The wine grape harvest has begun at many of Oregon’s 463 wineries and 849 vineyards as the state’s industry looks forward to one of its earliest and most promising harvests in years, according to the Oregon Wine Board

Harvest temperatures are well above recent years and among the highest in some locations in more than a decade.

“This year’s crush pad fashion statements may well tend to shorts, tank tops and aloha shirts,” said Doug Tunnel, owner and winemaker at Brick House Vineyards in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. He added that 2013 looks like a truly outstanding year, somewhat more abundant than 2012, but with every promise of the stellar quality of that vintage.

While some growers and wineries have begun bringing in fruit this week, the harvest is expected to begin in earnest the week of Sept. 16 and continue thought October for some varieties in some parts of the state.

Winegrowers in the traditionally warmer southern regions of Oregon are particularly optimistic about their harvest prospects. The southern Oregon harvest is turning into a spectacular event,” according to Ruth Garvin of Cliff Creek Cellars and president of the Southern Oregon Winery Association. She added that the fruit load is full of large clusters and flavors are showing well, due to cool nights.